The professional services world is experiencing a profound transformation, and at the core of this change is the strategic integration of AI. For a global leader like KPMG, staying at the forefront of this evolution isn’t a choice—it’s a business imperative.
The firm’s recent appointment of Steve Chase as Global Head of AI and Digital Innovation is far more than a simple personnel change. It’s a bold strategic declaration, placing artificial intelligence at the very heart of its operations and client offerings.
This move signals a significant shift from a foundational approach to an aggressive, scaled-up strategy. This builds upon the critical groundwork laid by his predecessor, David Rowlands, and propels KPMG into the next phase of its AI journey.
From Foundation to Acceleration: A New Era for AI at KPMG
The transition from David Rowlands to Steve Chase represents a pivotal moment in KPMG‘s AI journey. Rowlands, the firm’s first Global Head of AI, was instrumental in establishing the initial strategy, creating ethical frameworks, and championing a “client zero” approach of testing AI internally before deploying it for clients.
This foundational work was crucial, as it established a basis for a trusted and responsible AI practice. Chase’s appointment now signals the next phase of acceleration.
His expanded role, which includes not just AI but broader digital innovation, acknowledges that AI capabilities must be deeply integrated with a comprehensive digital transformation strategy.
Chase’s core mission is to rapidly scale AI-powered solutions for clients and accelerate internal transformations, leveraging his extensive experience as Vice Chair of AI and Digital Innovation at KPMG‘s US operations. This is about moving beyond proofs-of-concept and embedding AI deeply into the fabric of the firm’s global network.
The Right Leader for the AI Era: Steve Chase’s Vision
Steve Chase’s professional background makes him the ideal leader for this moment. His career has been defined by a sharp focus on large-scale technology and business transformation.
Before his new role, he led KPMG‘s US consulting practice and, more recently, served as the firm’s Vice Chair for AI and Digital Innovation in the US. In that capacity, he was at the forefront of enterprise-wide AI integration and forged critical strategic alliances with technology giants like Google and Microsoft.
This experience is paramount, as Chase understands that successful AI leadership is not merely about deploying new technology. It requires aligning a global approach to build trust, accelerate innovation, and empower both KPMG’s workforce and its clients.
His leadership clearly signals a commitment to embedding AI not as a separate tool but as a fundamental component of how the firm operates and creates value.
KPMG’s AI Strategy in Action: Trust, Scale, and Innovation
KPMG’s AI strategy is multifaceted and grounded in a core principle of trust and responsibility. The firm’s “Trusted AI Framework” is a cornerstone of this approach, guiding the design, building, and deployment of AI solutions in an ethical and responsible manner.
This framework is a critical part of KPMG’s offerings, assisting clients in navigating the complex landscape of AI risks, regulations, and compliance.
The firm is actively applying AI across a range of services. KPMG‘s advisory and strategy teams help businesses develop comprehensive AI strategies that align with their business objectives, identify high-impact use cases, and design operating models that enable scalable, repeatable, and accountable AI deployment.
Furthermore, the firm has developed proprietary platforms like KPMG Ignite, Digital Gateway, and KPMG Clara, which leverage autonomous agents to perform complex tasks and fundamentally reshape how work is done. This goes far beyond simply speeding up existing processes; it reimagines them entirely.
KPMG is also applying AI to solve specific industry challenges, for example, by streamlining M&A integrations for HP, modernizing customer care for a healthcare service company, and helping a global footwear retailer deploy a secure GenAI platform.
These examples underscore KPMG’s unwavering commitment to delivering tangible value through AI, from enhancing operational efficiency to improving customer experiences.
Practical Tips for Readers: Embracing AI in Your Daily Life
You don’t need to be a global consulting firm to harness the power of AI. The principles that guide a company like KPMG can be applied in your own professional and personal life. First, always start with a specific problem you want to solve, rather than simply adopting a new technology for its own sake.
For example, use an AI tool to summarize long articles or to help you draft an email to improve your efficiency. Second, view AI as a tool for augmentation, not replacement. Consider how AI can make you better at your job, not how it can replace you.
Use a generative AI tool to brainstorm ideas or create a first draft, which frees you to focus on the more strategic and creative aspects of your work. Third, prioritize trust and responsibility in your use of AI.
Be mindful of the data you share with AI tools, and seek to understand how the tool works and its potential biases. Only use platforms that are trusted and secure. Finally, remain curious and commit to continuous learning. The field of AI is evolving at a breakneck pace.
Dedicate time each week to read articles, watch videos, and experiment with new tools. This constant learning will help you stay relevant and agile in a rapidly changing landscape.
Just as KPMG is transforming itself from the inside out, you can use these same principles to transform your own professional life. The race to leverage AI for competitive advantage is underway, and with the right approach, you can lead the pack.
You can learn more about KPMG‘s use of AI and its strategic initiatives in this video from the firm’s “AI Impact Initiative.”
